Okura Bush Walk is a popular bush walk just north of Long Bay. It is very popular for walkers and runners alike.

This track takes you through regenerating coastal kauri forest along the Okura River estuary and edge of the Long Bay – Okura Marine Reserve to Karepiro Bay and historic Dacre Cottage, and on to Stillwater.

From Haighs Rd the track follows the Okura River estuary through mixed coastal forest, with groves of nikau, pohutukawa and regenerating kauri. After a 20 min hill climb the track drops down to the rivers edge where you may see a variety of wading birds such as stilts and oystercatchers.

If heading to Stillwater, you can follow the coastline at low tide, or take the overland track, climbing steeply above the coastal cliffs, with good views of Karepiro Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, before dropping back to the Weiti River estuary. From here the track follows the river, crossing private land to the Stillwater car park.

Kauri Dieback Disease

Kauri Dieback Disease is slowly killing our native Kauri trees but there are ways you can help prevent it. Simply spray the soles of your shoes with the disinfectant provided at the start of the walk, and stick to the path!

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Minnehaha is simply a little slice of paradise. It is a great secluded little beach that you can access through Minnehaha Ave or by walking along the coastal walk between Takapuna and Milford. Although it is very close to Takapuna, it is very secluded and its own beautiful bay.

The waves here are small making it a safe place to swim, although the water can be cold!

As Minnehaha is a little beach, there is just a small area of sand for you to relax on. However, there is also a large tree you can use to cover yourself from the sun if you need.

This picturesque spot is perfect for a picnic, a swim to beat the heat or just to soak up the sun on the beach. The views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf are incredible, so make sure you bring your camera to make the most of it.

Parking

There is a limited amount of road parks on Minnehaha Avenue so take that into consideration when planning your visit. Once you have parked then it’s just a short, steep concrete path through some bush onto the coastal concrete walkway until you reach the secret bay. You can often find fisherman on the rocks that are on either side of the bay.

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The East Coast Bays Cliff Walk is one of the most breathtaking views on the North Shore. It is possible to walk from Campbells Bay to Rothesay Bay and the majority of the walk is off-leash so you and your dog can get some exercising while taking in all the views.

As the walk goes over the cliffs between the bays, it goes without saying that the walk will involve lots of climbs and descents.

The walks over the cliffs are off leash at all times for dogs, but most of the beaches require you to put your dog on a leash so make sure you check the requirements before you head off on your journey.

Rothesay Bay

Rothesay Bay will be the last or first beach on your walk depending where you start from.
You will find quite a small beach but it also has a large grass park which is perfect for your doggie to roam around off leash.
During summer and between 10am and 5pm, dogs are prohibited from the sand, but are allowed on the grass area provided they are on leash. At all other times dogs are allowed to be off leash.

Churchill Beach

Churchill Beach is a tiny beach you will find tucked away in between Rothesay Bay and Murrays Bay. Dogs are allowed off leash here all the time so it is a perfect spot for your dog to cool off. Be careful of the tide, as at high tide the beach becomes almost non-existent.

Murrays Bay

Murrays Bay is a popular beach that you will stop at. At Murrays Bay you can take your dog along the wharf and even jump off if you’re brave enough.
During summer and between 10am and 5pm, dogs are prohibited from the sand, but are allowed on the grass area provided they are on leash. At all other times dogs are allowed to be off leash.
For more information Murrays Bay, click here

Mairangi Bay

Mairangi Bay is also a popular beach on the shore. It is is also flooded with cafes and restaurants you can grab a bite if you need to.
During summer and between 10am and 5pm, dogs are prohibited from the sand, but are allowed on the grass area provided they are on leash. At all other times dogs are allowed to be off leash.

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Murrays Bay is right in the middle of the East Coast Bays. Although there are about a dozen beaches in the area, Murray’s Bay stands out because of its wharf.

There are parks right in front of the beach, or along the side roads. Be fast, because the parks fill up. And if you forget anything there is a dairy parked right across from the beach.

If you want to see more than Murray’s Bay, you can take the cliff walk and stroll over to Browns Bay or Mairangi Bay

Jumping Off the Wharf

The wharf at Murrays Bay is popular for many people. A lot of people spend their time fishing, jumping off, or just walking along it. The Murrays Bay Wharf was renovated in 2016, and as such , now has a designated jumping area.

Make sure to check the tides, as the best time to jump in is high tide. At low tide it might be to shallow to jump in.

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Long Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Auckland’s North Shore. Busy year round, many people gather here for the long white beach, beautiful views, and the opportunity the water offers. Long Bay is as renowned for its long beach as much as it is for the ample grass area, furthermore making it an ideal place for families.

The vast grass areas are perfect for kicking a ball around, in addition to having a romantic picnic with that special someone. Long Bay has sites you can book for large groups, which includes a barbecue and picnic tables.

North end of the beach

At the North end of the beach, you can cross the Vaughn Stream and follow the trail over the cliff. A gun emplacement remaining from the Second World War can be found and from here vast views overlook the whole of Long Bay.

Continuing over the cliff, you will pass through the farmland and reach Granny’s Bay. Granny’s Bay is a smaller beach which is perfect for viewing or photographing sunsets